The Harrier was developed by Hawker as a private venture in the UK during the 1950s and 60s. Early experiments with a vectoring jet engine mounted to a wingless metal frame known as the flying bedstead proved the feasibility of engine borne controlled flight. Furthur development work with the Kestrel aircraft eventually led to the Harrier. The Hawker Siddeley Harrier was eventually to become the first operational V/STOL (vertical/short take off & landing) fixed wing combat aircraft in the world. First vertical take off a prototype that was to become the Harrier was achieved in October 1960 and nearly a year later flight transition from hovering to forward wing borne flight was achieved

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